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Introduction
The following pages contain knowledge that has been entrusted
to its authors by a small handful of medicine men who reside in
the upper basin of the Amazon Rainforest. Passed down word-ofmouth for thousands of years, without any written account, these
doctrines are considered sacred by those who keep them, and are
not passed along lightly to any interested party. Throughout the
course of creating The Sacred Science documentary, we the filmmakers have grown to know and deeply respect these men, and
it is through our mutual goal of spreading this knowledge for the
good of all that we have been permitted to share that knowledge
through our own mediums.
The film itself tells the story of eight patients, from all walks of life,
suffering from a range of chronic illnesses, as they travel to the
Amazon rainforest to undergo an ancient and powerful system of
healing, with the guidance of a group of dedicated curanderos.
Their stories are moving, provocative, and telling of the physical
and psychological challenges that we all face in our lives, as well
as the solutions that traditional Amazonian medicine can offer.
This eBook is meant to serve as a supplement to those stories,
in order to provide further background information on the various
plants and rituals the audience will witness in action, as well as
deeper insights into the spiritual belief system and methodology
behind the jungle medicine being practiced.
It is with great joy, but also with great humility and respect, that
we pass these stories and wisdom along to you, the readers and
viewers of the film. Our hope is that through our work, you will
grow to understand and appreciate these ancient cultures as we
have, and together we can all do our collective part to preserve
that understanding and appreciation for future generations around
the world.
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CONTENTS
Introduction
Page 1
I. What is The Sacred Science?
Page 3
II. The Icaros
Page 6
III. Alone in the Jungle
Page 8
IV. Healing Diet
Page 10
V. Sacred Plants
Page 14
VI. Medicinal Plants
Page 21
VII. Closing Note
Page 29
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What is the Sacred Science?
In Amazonian culture, there exists a very ancient healing
tradition that, at its most basic level, utilizes a panacea of medicinal plants. This practice has been cultivated over thousands of
years, evolving as various tribes lived and thrived throughout the
different regions of the South American rainforest. The elders
learned to use specific plants to heal all manner of illness, and
through a very deep, intimate understanding of their immediate
jungle surroundings, a symbiotic relationship was formed between
man and nature. The tribes were healed, nourished, and guided
by the plants, and in turn, these communities nurtured the forests
and became keenly aware of each plant’s healing properties. In this manner, the medicinal plants have been an ever-evolving
foundation of these cultures for millennia. This ancient tradition
works with both plants that are seen as strictly medicinal - those
that work solely on the physical level and can occasionally have
psychological benefits - as well as with those that are considered
spiritually sacred. Western medicine categorizes these plants as
“entheogenic”.
The Curandero: Doctor, Teacher, Spiritual Guide
The medium through which this communication travels most
strongly has been, since the beginning of the region’s recorded
history, a tribe’s curandero, or medicine man (also known as the
shaman, a word that actually originated in Siberia, but is applicable to the role that is present in indigenous tribes around the
world). Unlike more developed, modernized cultures, in which a
person’s doctor, therapist, and priest or spiritual advisor are
separate people and separate aspects of society in general, the
curanderos singularly serve all of those functions within a given
tribe or community. This man or woman makes it his or her life’s
purpose to serve other fellow human beings, and to also act as
a guardian of sorts for the local forest and the plants from which
they derive their remedies. The curandero remains dedicated to
acquiring new wisdom and knowledge about the rainforest plants
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and their properties, as well as to a broad array of other healing
techniques and rituals, offering his or her services to those in
need, and in return takes only what is required for the basic sustenance of his or her family. Rather than being driven by salary,
public recognition, career trajectory, or fear of lawsuit, the curandero’s only motivation is a genuine desire to heal. Some feel
that this method is superior to occidental health care because it
allows the curandero to invest more deeply in each patient, and to
address the underlying problems behind the illness, rather than
giving a diagnosis or prescribing treatment based on a single visit.
The Interconnectivity of Body & Mind
Another cornerstone of traditional Amazonian healing is the focus
on a patient’s spiritual and mental state, in conjunction with his or
her physical well being. While Western medicine tends to treat
the body and mind as separate entities, a curandero will consider
a person as a whole, with physical, spiritual, and psychological
aspects all affecting one another on a profound level. Stress and
diet in particular are considered supremely influential factors on
the state of the human body, as are more deep-seated psychological issues such as guilt, shame, and long-repressed sentiments
that can continue to plague a person long after the immediately
apparent emotional distresses have subsided. Often times this
manifests in other unforeseen forms. These ailments could reveal themselves as moderate inconveniences like stress and high
blood pressure, or in more serious ways, such as stomach adhesions, tumors, or other full-blown chronic illnesses. To an Amazonian medicine man, simply treating symptoms on the surface level
is a superficial and ultimately ineffective way to address a patient’s
illnesses, even if at first glance it appears to be strictly physical. Only when these deeper spiritual and emotional issues are confronted can the true healing begin.
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Chief of the Jagua’s
Photographed by M. Zulauf
Lineage of Direct Transmission
One of the unique components of Amazonian culture is that no
written language is used to transfer this knowledge from one generation to the next. Everything that today’s curandero knows has
been passed down word-of-mouth, from curandero to apprentice
for thousands of years — a phenomenon commonly referred to as
a “lineage of direct transmission”. Some historians and scholars
of indigenous cultures and medicines might consider it unfortunate
that there exists no written account of these mysterious practices
and their origins; however, many of today’s curanderos would
disagree. Indigenous masters feel it is crucial for an apprentice
to receive the full transmission from his or her teacher, rather than
simply conducting his or her own independent study. A master’s
personality, mannerisms, tone of voice, and nearly every other
aspect of the shamanic teaching method is to be learned and replicated. Hence the term: “direct transmission”. When a curandero
departs for the spirit world, he has passed on his teachings and
hence the teachings of the lineage of shamans before him, to
his surviving apprentices. They in turn, carry the same responsibility of bestowing this knowledge onto their future pupils. This
living knowledge of the healing plants of the jungle and their
corresponding rituals is in many tribes referred to as La Ciencia
Sagrada or “The Sacred Science”. page 5
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Icaros: The Curandero’s Healing Songs
A key aspect of traditional Amazonian healing is the use of spiritual melodies and chants. These songs, known as icaros, are used
in almost every aspect of the curandero’s healing method, and are
often sung in conjunction with other practices, including hands-on
healing methods, the application of herbs and scented oils, and
the playing of indigenous musical instruments.
It is said that by singing an icaro, a curandero is able to connect
directly with the spirit realm, which allows him or her to more
deeply assess a patient’s illness, bring on or intensify the effects
of visionary medicines like ayahuasca and San Pedro during
ceremony, ward off evil or negative presences, and a wide range
of other abilities. In many instances, singing or chanting an icaro
allows a curandero to enter a trancelike state, in which he or she
can sense and manipulate energies that are vital to the healing
process.
The lyrics of an icaro vary from song to song and from healer
to healer, and can include words sung in a variety of styles and
tongues. Curanderos of indigenous South American descent often
employ a loose combination of Spanish and native Quechuan, but
healers from different parts of the world can transpose songs into
their own language. Due to the influence of European conquistadors who colonized much of South America in the 1500’s, some
curanderos are known to mix traditional shamanic invocations with
elements of Christian spirituality, such as calling on Christ and
chanting biblical phrases. Regardless of the curandero’s worldly
background, what is truly important is the healing intent behind
each icaro.
Each curandero has his or her own unique repertoire, and some
of a healer’s songs may come from the master under whom he or
she apprenticed while learning his or her craft. However, many
of a curandero’s icaros are said to come from the teaching plants
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themselves. These mystical melodies often present themselves in
dreams or during sacred ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies in
what is considered a rite of passage for the healer. A curandero’s
icaros are an extremely sacred and personal part of his or her own
method, which is why singing these allows him or her to connect
with each patient and the healing spirits on a much deeper, much
more intimate level.
Don Edwin sings an icaro during a Chiric Sanango ceremony.
Photographed by M. Zulauf
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Alone in the Jungle
One belief that cannot be overstated in the world of Amazonian
medicine is the power of solitude. Traditionally, a curandero will
place his patients in complete seclusion from society and from one
another, breaking only for daily healing visits and the occasional
group ceremony. Typically this occurs in an enclosure known as
a dieta hut, a small structure just large enough to house a patient
and his or her bed and simple belongings. The hut often has open
walls (perhaps covered by a screen or mosquito netting,) in order
to allow the jungle’s therapeutic presence to dominate the healing
setting.
This time alone in the jungle is a crucial tool in the curandero’s
arsenal, and can be considered a backdrop for the necessary
spiritual and psychological transformations to take place. Those
local to the more remote regions of South America will undoubtedly find benefit in being surrounded by the presence of the rainforest without the distractions of their familiar community. However,
the experience is especially profound with patients that are totally
uninitiated in the conventions of jungle living.
Throughout much of the occidental world - and specifically in the
United States - a hectic, cluttered lifestyle, fraught with superficial
tangents, is often the norm. Developed society tends to place emphasis on things like fashion trends, career competitiveness, material possessions, and the distracting allure of gadgets like mp3
players and cell phones, rather than (or possibly even in place of)
the pursuits of happiness, compassion, and understanding. When
presented with a patient who has been embedded in this lifestyle,
a curandero’s first priority is often to separate him or her from
these toxic diversions.
For many patients, this isolation can be incredibly jarring and
uncomfortable at first. Technology and constant social connection
can become crutches for those living in the developed world,
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allowing one to escape unpleasant sensations and emotions at
the click of a button. When these diversions are removed entirely, forcing the patient to sit and face their own inner turmoil
and conflict without interruption, they will be able to recognize
the true nature of their inner demons, and thus provide a clearer
path to health and spiritual well-bring. The curandero and subject
can work together to overcome these mental and psychological
roadblocks, and throughout the healing process, the isolation and
immersion in nature continue to provide a soothing, therapeutic
environment, unclouded by any outside interference.
Standard Dieta Hut
Photographed by M. Zulauf
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The Healing Diet
The plants, grains, and fish below comprise the standard diet
given to the patients in the film. With a few exceptions, this nutritional protocol is quite common throughout the upper Amazon
basin, as well as parts of the Andean mountain range, with regard
to traditional plant healing. It should be noted that this list does
not include any spicy, salty, or bitter foods. It is generally held
that potent foods with too much spice will interfere with the subtle
energies of the daily medicinal plant regimen; accordingly, the preferred diet should be bland but nourishing.
In preparation for a healing ceremony, this diet becomes even
more simple. Patients are given only quinoa, green plantains, and
in some instances, a very simple protein (such as bocachico, a
small fish native to many tributaries of the Amazon River), without
any salt or seasoning whatsoever.
Quinoa:
Synonyms: Chenopodium quinoa
This Andean grain has incredible nutritional value. Quinoa is one
of the only grains that provides a full source of protein. While it
doesn’t grow in the Amazon, Quinoa is quite common in the region’s healing diet due to its abundance in the neighboring Andes
Mountains to the west. The “super grain” gets its name from the
Quechua word ‘kinwa’.
Cacao:
Synonyms: Cacao theobroma, Chocolate, Cacaoyer
Long before Columbus and Cortes set foot in the Americas, the
civilizations of Central and South America were cultivating the
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seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. During one of his campaigns
in Mexico, Cortes observed that the local Maya brewed a delicious
chocolate beverage made from these seeds, and decided to send
some back to his king in Spain. The Spanish then refined the
seed into what is now commonly known as chocolate.
In its raw form the cacao seed is densely nutritious, containing
high concentrations of sulfur and magnesium, among other minerals. The phenylethylamine contained in cacao produces strong
and enduring sensations of elation and happiness in the brain.
Another common effect of cacao is an enhanced ability to focus
for prolonged periods of time.
In many ways, the history of cacao in the Americas symbolizes the
deep understanding that the indigenous cultures had of the plant
kingdom that flourished around them. Chocolate is just one of the
many horticultural innovations that Europe borrowed from a civilization they considered “savage”. Cacao was so cherished by certain kingdoms of Central and South America that it was used as
currency, sometimes in place of precious metals, due to its unique
ability to either be traded for goods or consumed as a product in
and of itself.
Acaí:
Synonyms: Euterpe oleracea
Deep red and delicious, this berry has made headlines over the
past few years for its high concentration of antioxidants. The acaí
berry is a major part of the Amazonian diet and in certain Brazilian tribes, the acaí palm (from which the berries are harvested) is
known to sometimes provided over 40% of the community’s caloric intake.
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Green Plantains:
Synonyms: Musa acuminata
A relative of the banana, the green plantain grows abundantly
throughout the jungles of South America. The main discerning
feature of the green plantain is its starchy texture and lack of
sweetness. For safety purposes, plaintains should be cooked.
Bocachico:
Synonyms: Prochilodus nigricans
Named after its “cute mouth” (the phrase being the translation of
its name), this small fish is native to the small rivers and tributaries
of the lower Amazon Basin, and is the only source of animal protein permitted by the curanderos in the healing dieta. Usually prepared over an open fire, the bony bocachico is considered sacred
by many native South American cultures.
Sacha Inchi Oil:
Synonyms: Plukenetia volubilis, Sacha Peanut, Mountain Peanut,
Inca Peanut
The indigenous people of the Amazon have been cultivating the
Sacha Inchi seed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The superfood is rapidly gaining popularity in the Western world because
of its unusually high levels of essential fatty acids — Omega 3
(48%), Omega 6 (36%), Omega 9 (9%), and protein (27%). Because of the low intake of animal protein in the traditional Amazonian healing diet, Sacha Inchi is used to supplement these essential components of human health.
Miel de Abeja:
Synonyms: Honey
Although we often take it for granted as a commonly available
foodstuff, honey is considered an extremely sacred substance in
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many cultures across the globe. The collection of honey for human consumption dates back thousands of years, to well before
the emergence of the Greek and Egyptian civilizations. Its benefits, both physical and spiritual, are well-documented in religious
texts, including the Hebrew Bible, the Koran, the New Testament,
and numerous others. Not surprisingly, the indigenous healers
of the Peruvian Amazon are privy to these beneficial effects, and
have been implementing miel de abeja, or bee honey, in their
treatments since the start of their recorded history.
A quote from the Koran pertaining to honey:
“And your Lord inspired the bee(s), saying: ‘Take your habitations
in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. (68)
Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy
(for you).’ There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying
colour wherein is healing for mankind. Verily, in this is indeed a
sign for people who think.”
Noni:
Synonyms: Morinda citrifolia, Great Morinda, Indian mulberry, nunaakai, dog dumpling, mengkudu, apatot, Kumudu, pace, beach
mulberry, cheese fruit
Although it originated on the volcanic islands of Polynesia, Noni
is extremely abundant in the Amazon and is a staple food of the
diet there. The pulp of this pungent-smelling fruit is where the true
nutritional benefit lies, containing substantial levels of vitamin C,
iron, niacin, and potassium. The strong odor given off by a freshly
opened Noni has given it the nicknames of “cheese fruit” and
“vomit fruit”.
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The Sacred Plants
While most of the following plant medicines have the ability to affect the body on a physical level - with some being extremely powerful and potentially dangerous - special respect and reverence
is also placed on them for having a profound connection with the
spirit world. Some act as conduits through which a curandero can
connect with a patient or a healing energy, while others possess
their own unique spiritual aura and are revered by the Amazon’s
indigenous cultures, almost as deities. Their usage as medicinal
agents is almost always accompanied by a ritual of some sort,
whether it be as simple as a song, or as involved as a ceremony
for which one must spend days or even weeks preparing.
The use of these plants is not to be taken lightly in any regard,
and the proper preparations and precautions must always be
observed. If one is considering entering into a healing process
with any of these sacred and respected remedies, the authors
must insist that they do so only under the careful guidance of an
experienced curandero.
Ayahuasca:
Synonyms: Banisteriopsis caapi, Yaje, La Purga, Abuela,
Grandmother, Spirit Vine, Vine of Death,
Associated Animal Spirit: Snake
Patient(s) administered: All
Used for thousands of years by medicine men across much of
the South American rainforest, ayahuasca is considered the cornerstone of many (if not most) Amazon healing methods. Viewed
within indigenous folklore as “the mother of all plants,” the potent
herbal mixture is actually a combination of elements. Its main
ingredient is the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which contains several
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powerful MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors. When combined
with any of several other plants rich in the psychedelic compound
DMT (most commonly the shrub Psychotria viridis, commonly
known as chakruna) and boiled as part of a ceremonious preparation ritual, the vine creates an extremely potent psychoactive brew
with a vast array of applications in the canon of South American
shamanic remedies.
The preparation of this mystical plant brew suggests a riddle in
itself: the plants typically used to prepare ayahuasca are native to
virtually opposite ends of the jungle, hundreds of miles apart, and
anthropologists are still baffled as to how these ancient and seemingly primitive tribes had the insight and botanical knowledge to
locate, identify, and prepare them to create something so precise
and powerful. There are several legends told among the tribes
regarding this mystery. One of the legends speaks of an old king
who lived in the rainforest, bringing great healing and wisdom to
his people. When his time came to die, he told them that upon
his burial, two plants would sprout from his tomb, and if cooked
together, they would reveal the same healing and wisdom that he
offered throughout his lifetime. Unfathomable as this legend may
seem, the true origin of ayahuasca remains just as mysterious to
this day.
A dose of ayahuasca can range from a teaspoon to several cups,
depending on the weight, age, physical fitness, and overall experience of the patient. The mixture has an extremely bitter taste,
and given the high alkalinity of its compounds, acts as a powerful
cleansing agent in many respects. As the body digests and absorbs the brew, it can often cause a very thorough purging of the
digestive system, either through diarrhea or intense, frequent vomiting spells. However, there are many instances in which a patient
will not purge at all. Perhaps the brew’s best-known property is its
ability to induce sustained, lucid, dream-like psychedelic visions. The intensity of these visions can range from mild to extremely
powerful and disorienting, but each ayahuasca dose produces a
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different effect, and each participant experiences his or her own
unique results.
The brew is meant to be consumed as part of a highly sacred
and secretive ceremony, led by one or several experienced curandero. Each patient must spend the preceding day preparing for
this event, both in their diet and their mental and spiritual state. These rituals can involve anywhere from a single patient to a large
group of twenty or more, depending on the circumstances, and are
typically conducted at night inside of a simple enclosure known as
a maloka. Each curandero employs their own unique elements
to the ceremonies they oversee, which can include group sharing
and interaction, icaros (or spiritual songs), and individual visits.
However diverse the specific methods may be, a common aspect
of these ceremonies is the use of the brew’s psychedelic effects,
sometimes referred to as a spirit journey, to access a patient’s
subconscious in a very direct and deliberate way. By working in
this shared dream state, a skilled curandero is said to be able to
reach his patients in a much deeper, more perceptive way, and the
interaction can produce dramatic spiritual progress, sometimes in
a single ceremony.
The ritual has been described as being jarring, overwhelming, and
sometimes even terrifying, and likened to an induced near-death
experience. This could explain the literal Quechuan translation of
the word ayahuasca, which is “The Spirit Vine”, or “Vine of Death.” However, the experience is also known to have a firm, nurturing,
feminine aura, which is why ayahuasca is widely referred to by the
curanderos of South America as “Grandmother.”
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San Pedro
Synonyms: Echinopsis pachanoi, Abuelo, Grandfather, Mescalito
Associated Animal Spirit: Puma
Patient(s) administered: All
San Pedro is a multi-stemmed, columnar cactus that grows in the
mid-altitude range (between 1500m and 3000m) of the Andean
mountain range, primarily found in Peru and Ecuador, and can
grow up to 20 feet tall. Like ayahuasca, the plant is rich in a multitude of alkaloids, and thus is known to create a hostile environment within the systems of the human body for cancer and other
chronic illnesses. The best-known of these alkaloids is mescaline,
a powerful psychedelic compound also found in a related cactus,
peyote, (which explains that plant’s handle throughout Native
American spiritual folklore, Mescalito.)
There are several ways to prepare the plant for consumption, but
a common method is to slice the cactus width-wise into thin medallions, after which it is chopped, boiled, and dried into a fine
powder. The use of San Pedro in spiritual ceremonies and shamanic practices can be traced back over 3,000 years, and while
originally a tradition of tribes indigenous to the Andes, it has been
incorporated as a ceremonial teaching medicine in many diverse
regions of South America - most notably in the Amazon rainforest.
A standard dose of San Pedro is typically about 5 grams of dried
powder (roughly a tablespoon), and the experience can last between 10 and 12 hours. The medicine’s effects vary with dosage
and from person to person, but can generally be described as a
vivid, illuminating state of altered consciousness. This can be accompanied by hallucinations of sight and sound, which range from
being mild to relatively intense, and a wide spectrum of heightened emotions.
While ayahuasca is administered in nighttime ceremonies and is
typically a solemn experience, San Pedro ceremonies take place
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during the day, and tend to take on a much more mobile, active
nature. Patients can engage in interactive activities and exercises
to heighten and engage the effects of the medicine and its influence on the consciousness. When a participant or group is taken
under the care of a shaman for a period of time, the two teaching
medicines are often used in rotation to complement one another
and the other plant medicines being administered. Where ayahuasca is referred to as “grandmother” for its stern, nurturing aura,
San Pedro is known as “grandfather” for its more playful, active
temperament.
Toé
Synonyms: Brugmansia Suaveolens, Datura
Patient(s) administered: Nicola
Toé is an extremely powerful and potentially deadly plant used
by the Amazon’s healers in a variety of applications. Its healing
properties have been used to control Parkinson’s disease; alleviate painful wounds, burns, rashes and swelling; or as a treatment
for asthma and bronchitis.
The toé plant contains the plant world’s highest alkaloid concentration, as well as a highly potent dose of scopolamine, resulting in
intense and prolonged psychoactive experiences upon consumption. It is typically administered sparingly and in small, controlled
doses, as improper use can result in irreversible mental damage
or death.
Chiric Sanango
Synonyms: Brunfelsia uniflora, Manaca
Patient(s) administered: Nicola, Melinda
Chiric sanango is a flowered shrub used by curanderos to treat
many conditions, and in many forms. Consumed in root teas and
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mixtures or applied topically, the plant houses several chemicals
with strong medicinal properties; most notably manaceine and
manacine, which stimulate the lymphatic system, and scopoletin,
a phytochemical that has shown to possess antitumor, antifungal,
and antibacterial qualities. It has been patented in the U.S. for it’s
ability to inhibit production of nitric oxide in the body.
Chiric sanango can be toxic in large doses and can produce temporary but sometimes intense sensations in the body, including
chills, tingling, and sedation. It is highly respected by the Amazon’s curanderos and its usage comes with careful preparation
and dosage.
Coca
Synonyms: Erythroxylum coca, Erythroxylum novogranatense
Patient(s) administered: All
The coca leaf has been chewed and brewed by the indigenous
peoples of the Andean mountain region for centuries. Contrary to
the popular belief that it is highly toxic and chemically addictive,
(perpetuated in no small part by its powdered, synthetically processed counterpart), the plant in its original form is virtually harmless, and provides many health benefits as a mild stimulant.
The method by which the coca plant is chewed is called acullico
and involves packing a number of leaves between the cheek and
gums, sometimes together with an organic alkaline substance.
The goal is to gradually extract the active ingredients from the
leaves into the pores of the mouth. The chewing of these leaves
is known to stave of hunger, fatigue, and altitude sickness. Various legends speak of Andean villages surviving solely on coca
leaves and water in times of famine. Coca is often credited for the
resilience and stamina for which the remote tribes of the Andes
are so well-known.
Coca is often used medicinally as an anesthetic and analgesic to
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alleviate the pain of headache, rheumatism, wounds and sores. It has also been used as a painkiller for more extreme physical
trauma like broken bones and childbirth, and the plant’s high calcium content makes it very popular for treating weak or damaged
teeth. Coca also constricts blood vessels, making it extremely
effective in slowing internal or bleeding. Studies have shown coca
to be a beneficial treatment for ulcers, asthma, malaria, and overall longevity.
Mapacho
Synonyms: Nicotiana rustica
Mapacho is a tobacco plant that is cultivated and employed ceremoniously by almost every tribe of the Northwest Amazon during
their ceremonies and other spiritual practices. Known as dé-oowé to the Witoto and ye’-ma to the Tariana, Mapacho is used for
much more than simply smoking.
The tobacco leaves can be crushed and applied topically to disinfect wounds, reduce the inflammation of boils, heal sprains, and
is even believed to prevent baldness. A juice can also be brewed
from the plant to treat snake bites, chills, and clear parasites. As
in most indigenous cultures of the Americas, tobacco is extremely
sacred to the Amazonian tribes and is celebrated as one of the
most powerful plants in the natural world.
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The Medicinal Plants
The Amazon jungle is considered home to the world’s widest array
of natural remedies. With over 40,000 known species of plants,
this region of South America holds countless healing secrets, most
of which have never been studied by Western science. The indigenous curanderos of the rainforest have spent thousands of years
creating a word-of-mouth database of plants possessing medicinal
qualities, and wield this encyclopedic knowledge with great precision and efficiency to treat all manner of ailments, from common
toothaches to arthritis to cancer.
Many of these plants are available through various organic stores
and websites. However, you should always consult with an experienced healer or holistic health expert before ordering or using
any Amazonian medicinal plant, whether listed below or otherwise.
Tahuari / Pau D’arco
Synonyms: Tabebuia rosea
Patient(s) administered: J.D.
A tree that is widely dispersed throughout South America, tahuari
is a powerful immune booster that is traditionally used as an antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic agent. The bark
of the tahuari is used to treat ailments such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, respiratory problems, ulcers, rheumatism, and in
some cases, even cancer.
Copaiba
Synonyms: Copaifera, Jesuit’s balsam
Patient(s) administered: Jessica
Copaiba, a tall, dense tree that grows abundantly in the tropics of
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South America, is used topically as a reliever of pain and inflammation, and as a disinfectant. Typically, the tree’s resin is harvested by drilling holes into its trunk and collecting the deposits
that drip out, similar to maple syrup. Each tree yields an abundant
amount of this resin - about 40 liters each year - without losing
health or sustaining permanent damage.
Copaiba functions as a topical remedy for all manner of skin pain
and irritation, from insect bites and rashes to various skin disorders, such as gonorrhea and psoriasis. It can also be ingested as
a treatment for internal inflammation from urinary tract infections,
stomach ulcers, swelling from Crohn’s disease, and other such
symptoms.
Ajo Sacha
Synonyms: Mansoa alliacea, Pseudocalymma alliaceum
Patient(s) administered: All
Native to the Amazon Rainforest, this shrub-like vine gets its common name, ajo sacha, meaning “false garlic” in Spanish, from its
strong resemblance to garlic in smell and taste. In fact, it is often
used as an edible spice because of these qualities. Due to its
pleasant, bright green appearance, it is also a common addition to
decorative home gardens, both in South and North America
In terms of its traditional medicinal uses, the plant is considered to
be an anti-inflammatory treatment for all matter of general aches
and pains, and is often used in conjunction with other herbal remedies in a poultice, or medicated bandage that is applied topically
to a wound or external abscess. It can also be consumed as a
decoction, or tea, and due to the antirheumatic and antimicrobial
compounds in its bark, is a common remedy for arthritis pain,
inflammation, bacterial infections, cold and flu, and even
pneumonia.
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Uña de Gato
Synonyms: U. tomentosa, Cat’s Claw
Patient(s) administered: Melinda, Gretchen, J.D., Jessica
With distribution across many areas of Central and South America, this large vine often grows high into the rainforest canopy, and
gets its “Cat’s Claw” handle from the large thorns that grow along
its length. While evidence suggests that Peru’s Ashaninka tribe
has been using the plant the longest - at least 2,000 years - many
other indigenous tribes are known to have used it.
Una de gato is known to be a powerful stimulant for the immune
system, and thus has a wide variety of applications, from treating stomach illnesses to controlling inflammation of the digestive
system and internal organs. Several tribes have also been known
to use large doses of the plant as a form of contraception. A regimen of controlled consumption during periods of menstruation can
cause sterility for several years.
Chuchuhuasi
Synonyms: Maytenus ebenifolia
Patient(s) administered: Gretchen, J.D.
The bark from this massive canopy tree can be used either for a
decoction or a tincture, and has been used by many indigenous
Amazon tribes for hundreds of years. It can be found growing
canopy-height in rainforest regions of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador,
and Bolivia.
Chuchuhuasi can be used in two ways: it can be combined as a
synergist with other medicinal plants, or it can be used on its own
to treat a variety of illnesses. It is considered to be an excellent
remedy for rheumatism and arthritis, and can be used to relieve
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all manner of general aches and pains, from muscle soreness to
menstrual pain. When the chuchuhuasi bark is combined with
sugarcane rum, it is also often sold as a popular jungle drink.
Abuta
Synonyms: Barbasco, Cissampelos pariera
Patient(s) administered: J.D. Abuta is a tough, woody vine native to the jungles of Peru, Brazil,
and Ecuador. Because of its lush leaves and large, inedible berries, the plant is often incorporated into decorative South American
gardens. Western medicine has conducted extensive research
into the alkaloids contained in the Abuta vine, most notably tetrandrine, which has been found to be effective as a pain reliever,
muscle relaxant, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Given its reputation for being effective for women’s ailments in
particular - including relieving menstrual cramps and excessive
bleeding, as well as pre- and postnatal pain, and increasing fertility - many in South America refer to it as the midwives’ herb. It
also has a wide range of other applications, from relieving digestive problems and internal bleeding, to use as a diuretic and analgesic. Virtually every part of the plant can be used.
Aloe vera
Synonyms: Aloe barbadensis, True Aloe
Patient(s) administered: Jessica, Gretchen
Aloe vera, a species of succulent plant, is one of the most widely
used herbal remedies in the world, having been used both in its
original, organic form, and as various synthetic extracts, for nearly
two thousand years of recorded history. The species has been
theorized to be native to the Mediterranean, though conflicting
theories exist as to its original distribution. It has traveled across
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the globe as part of nearly every major human civilization, has
been naturalized on every inhabited continent, and is present in
both conventional medicine and holistic folk healing everywhere
from Asia to Africa to South America.
Aloe vera has a gooey, slimy sap that can be scraped or squeezed
from its porous leaves. The sap can be applied topically (by itself
or as part of a mixture or poultice with other plants), for a variety
of skin ailments. This clear, gel-like substance is known for having a cooling, soothing quality, and some research has shown it
to be effective in accelerating the healing of wounds, rashes, and
burns. Though it has a strong bitter taste, the sap or pulp made
from the leaves can also be ingested as a powerful laxative. In recent years, aloe vera, sometimes referred to simply as “aloe”, has
been synthesized in an array of forms within the cosmetic industry,
including as a moisturizing agent for various creams and soaps.
Sangre de Grado
Synonyms: Croton lechleri, Croton salutaris, Dragon’s Blood,
Patient(s) administered: Jessica, Gretchen
This moderate- to large-sized Amazonian tree has a thick red sap,
which explains its name, translating literally to “blood of the dragon” in Spanish. This sap can be condensed into a resin, which
has become one of the most commonly used natural remedies in
all of South America, and synthesized versions of the resin have
found their way into medicine cabinets around the world.
Sangre de grado can be used externally to treat skin injuries and
conditions. Its biologically active lignan and alkaloid compounds,
as well as its dense consistency, make it an excellent way to seal
and protect scrapes, cuts, wounds, rashes, and insect bites, and
accelerates healing in all of these conditions. The resin can also
be consumed as a remedy for ulcers and internal inflammation,
and is often associated with relieving diarrhea and other digestive
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symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, cholera, and even AIDS.
Clavo Huasca
Synonyms: Tynnathus panurensis, Clove vine
Patient(s) administered: All
A large vine that grows high into the canopy of the Amazon rainforest, clavo huasca gets its name (“clove vine” in Spanish) from the
clove smell given off by the trunk, leaves, and tiny white flowers
that sprout from the plant. Clavo Huasca is a very popular herbal
remedy throughout South America and the world, known principally for being an aphrodisiac for both men and women, and a folk
remedy for men’s impotence. One famous concoction involving
the root is known as “Rompe Calzon”, which translates roughly in
Spanish to “Bust Your Britches”.
Clavo huasca is known to be effective in several other applications, as well. Given its analgesic properties, a tincture made from
the vine is commonly used to relieve pain from rheumatism and
arthritis, muscle aches, and even fever. The sap from the plant’s
root can be used to sooth toothaches. It is sometimes included
as part of the traditional ayahuasca brew, due to its ability to sooth
the stomach and regulate the digestive properties. Since ayahuasca is known to induce strong vomiting, diarrhea, and overwhelming nausea, clavo huasca can be employed to counteract or
soften these effects.
Graviola
Synonyms: Annona macrocarpa, Guanabana, Soursop,
Brazilian paw paw
Patient(s) administered: Melinda, John
Sold in South American markets as the edible fruit guanabana,
every part of the graviola tree is used in traditional Amazonian
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medicine, each with its own healing properties. It has been the
subject of much Western study for its antitumor and anticancer
potential, as well as for a slew of its other healing properties.
The plant’s leaves, stem, bark, and seeds contain a novel set of
chemicals, known as “annonaceous acetogenins”, that have been
tested and proven to be toxic against certain types of cancer cells,
while leaving healthy cells untouched. Its fruit has been shown to
kill worms and other intestinal parasites, while the oil from its fruit
and leaves can be mixed with olive oil to treat arthritis pain.
Amazonian Clay
Synonyms: Montmorillonite, Pascalite, Bentonite,
Patient(s) administered: Melinda
Certain kinds of earthy, absorbent Amazon clay are known to be
rich in minerals and extremely beneficial in alleviating a variety of
internal digestive conditions, ranging from food poisoning and allergies to viral infections and stomach parasites.
Fossil records of primitive Amazon tribes show that clay was consumed to treat common stomach conditions, and its use continues
today to enhance enzyme production and absorb harmful toxins in
the body.
Chanca Piedra
Synonyms: Phyllanthus carolinianus, stone breaker
Patient(s) administered: Gretchen, John
Rich in phytochemicals and widely known for its ability to eliminate
gallstones and kidney stones, this small herb is capable of treating
a variety of stomach and liver conditions. The indigenous peoples
of South America have used chanca piedra to treat hepatitis, jaun-
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dice, UTI’s, dysentery, prostatitis, and liver cancer, among many
others.
Due to its wide range of applications, the plant has been the subject of much Western medical research, and has been proven
in numerous studies to be effective in the treatment of a variety
of common ailments, leading to its availability in recent years in
many pharmacies across South America.
Pampo Oregano
Synonyms: Scientific classification unknown,
Patient(s) administered: Juan
This flowering shrub grows in the tropical regions of Central and
South America, often close to rivers and wetlands. The essential
oil of the pampo oregano is used to alleviate symptoms of depression, hysteria, dizziness, and epilepsy. It has also been used to
treat heart palpitations.
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Left to right: Dan Bailey, Nick Polizzi, Brock Bertloff, Alberto Martinez
(Michelle Zulauf not pictured because she’s holding the camera!)
Photographed by M. Zulauf
A Note From the Authors/Filmmakers
The Sacred Science documentary was conceived and created
out of a profound sense of wonder and curiosity, and the opportunity to learn and participate in these ancient practices has been
an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience for every member of
our crew and extended team. However, another major motivating
factor behind this project has been a genuine desire to spread this
knowledge, and to give the familiar and the uninitiated alike
an unprecedented glimpse at these revered healing traditions,
which have remained hidden from the vast majority of the world’s
population for centuries.
We hope that the documentary, this eBook, and our website
(www.thesacredscience.com) will spark your interest and curiosity
as the curanderos first sparked ours. We will be updating the
website regularly with new media and resources to serve as an
interactive hub for Amazon healing information.
This is only the beginning!
Un abrazo,
The Sacred Science Team
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